Kerala Appoints 6 SC/ST Preists to perform Pujas in Temples

Kerala Oct 7: Breaking barriers of tradition and culture the Travancore Devaswom (Temple) Recruitment Board in Kerala has appointed six members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to perform rituals at the temples.

Currently, forefathers of upper caste Hindus only are appointed as priests to perform rituals and prayers at temples.This is the first time that appointment of temple priests in Kerala is being done on the basis of reservation norms which exist in the recruitment of government staff.

The priests, who would be appointed on a part-time basis, would now enter the temples, bathe the idols, adorn them with flowers and customary ornaments, and perform the daily pujas.

The appointment order is considered as a path-breaking exercise as priesthood was the preserve of Brahmins and upper caste Hindus in most of the temples till recently.

This significant step will now pave the way for the appointment of priests in Sabarimala, which is under the Travancore Devaswom Board. According to current rules, only Brahmins can hold the distinguished position in the temple. A petition is pending in the high court challenging the same and demanding appointment of Dalit priests.

Finally, many priests have opposed the move stating that entry of lower caste would leave away their exclusive right to perform some special pujas .but the weaker sections have hailed the move and said that it is step towards social inclusion so that all communities are equal before god and would reform the caste system.